While the world’s elite surfers get ready for the next leg of the ASP World Tour, Australia’s top amateur surfers are waxing their boards in anticipation for the Australian Open Surfmasters Titles.

The prestigious event, running from 22-28th August, 2010 at Port Macquarie, forms part of the upcoming Country Energy Australian Surf Festival, which also entails the Australian Longboard Titles (14-21st August) and the Australian Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Titles.

Reigning Open Men’s champion Mark “Richo” Richardson of Queensland will be out to defend his title despite a swag of up-and-coming talent qualifying for this year’s event.